TOPIC: GOD ANSWERS PRAYERS - February 28, 2015
Memorise: Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you: - Matthew 7:7
Read: Psalm 5:1-3
1 Give ear to my words, O LORD, consider my meditation.
2 Hearken unto the voice of my cry, my King, and my God: for unto thee will I pray.
3 My voice shalt thou hear in the morning, O LORD; in the morning will I direct my prayer unto thee, and will look up.
MESSAGE:
Prayer is ordained by God as a means of communication between God and man. Christians are commanded to depends on God completely for all their needs, hopes and aspirations by bringing all their requests to Him in prayer (Philippians 4:6). In today’s memory verse, God challenges anyone who believes in Him to ask and they shall receive, to seek and they shall find, to knock and it shall be opened to them. He went further in John 16:24 where He said;
Saturday, February 28, 2015
Friday, February 27, 2015
WEARING A MASK? - Open Heavens for Friday, 27th February, 2015
TOPIC: WEARING A MASK? - February 27, 2015
Memorise: Be merciful unto me, O Lord: for I cry unto thee daily. - Psalm 86:3
Read: Psalm 88:1-9
1 O LORD God of my salvation, I have cried day and night before thee:
2 Let my prayer come before thee: incline thine ear unto my cry;
3 For my soul is full of troubles: and my life draweth nigh unto the grave.
4 I am counted with them that go down into the pit: I am as a man that hath no strength:
5 Free among the dead, like the slain that lie in the grave, whom thou rememberest no more: and they are cut off from thy hand.
6 Thou hast laid me in the lowest pit, in darkness, in the deeps.
7 Thy wrath lieth hard upon me, and thou hast afflicted me with all thy waves. Selah.
8 Thou hast put away mine acquaintance far from me; thou hast made me an abomination unto them: I am shut up, and I cannot come forth.
9 Mine eye mourneth by reason of affliction: LORD, I have called daily upon thee, I have stretched out my hands unto thee.
Thursday, February 26, 2015
Open Heavens Devotional for Thursday 26th February, 2015: LAMENTATION AS PRAISE
TOPIC: LAMENTATION AS PRAISE - February 26, 2015
Memorise: For his anger endureth but a moment; in his favour is life: weeping may endure for a night, but joy cometh in the morning. - Psalm 30:5
Read: Psalm 30:7-12
7 LORD, by thy favour thou hast made my mountain to stand strong: thou didst hide thy face, and I was troubled.
8 I cried to thee, O LORD; and unto the LORD I made supplication.
9 What profit is there in my blood, when I go down to the pit? Shall the dust praise thee? shall it declare thy truth?
10 Hear, O LORD, and have mercy upon me: LORD, be thou my helper.
11 Thou hast turned for me my mourning into dancing: thou hast put off my sackcloth, and girded me with gladness;
12 To the end that my glory may sing praise to thee, and not be silent. O LORD my God, I will give thanks unto thee for ever.
Memorise: For his anger endureth but a moment; in his favour is life: weeping may endure for a night, but joy cometh in the morning. - Psalm 30:5
Read: Psalm 30:7-12
7 LORD, by thy favour thou hast made my mountain to stand strong: thou didst hide thy face, and I was troubled.
8 I cried to thee, O LORD; and unto the LORD I made supplication.
9 What profit is there in my blood, when I go down to the pit? Shall the dust praise thee? shall it declare thy truth?
10 Hear, O LORD, and have mercy upon me: LORD, be thou my helper.
11 Thou hast turned for me my mourning into dancing: thou hast put off my sackcloth, and girded me with gladness;
12 To the end that my glory may sing praise to thee, and not be silent. O LORD my God, I will give thanks unto thee for ever.
Wednesday, February 25, 2015
THE BLESSING OF THANKSGIVING - Open Heavens Devotional for Wednesday 25th February, 2015
TOPIC: THE BLESSING OF THANKSGIVING - February 25, 2015
Memorise: It is a good thing to give thanks unto the LORD, and to sing praises unto thy name, O most High: - Psalm 92:1
Read: Luke 17:11-19
11 And it came to pass, as he went to Jerusalem, that he passed through the midst of Samaria and Galilee.
12 And as he entered into a certain village, there met him ten men that were lepers, which stood afar off:
13 And they lifted up their voices, and said, Jesus, Master, have mercy on us.
14 And when he saw them, he said unto them, Go shew yourselves unto the priests. And it came to pass, that, as they went, they were cleansed.
15 And one of them, when he saw that he was healed, turned back, and with a loud voice glorified God,
16 And fell down on his face at his feet, giving him thanks: and he was a Samaritan.
17 And Jesus answering said, Were there not ten cleansed? but where are the nine?
18 There are not found that returned to give glory to God, save this stranger.
19 And he said unto him, Arise, go thy way: thy faith hath made thee whole.
Memorise: It is a good thing to give thanks unto the LORD, and to sing praises unto thy name, O most High: - Psalm 92:1
Read: Luke 17:11-19
11 And it came to pass, as he went to Jerusalem, that he passed through the midst of Samaria and Galilee.
12 And as he entered into a certain village, there met him ten men that were lepers, which stood afar off:
13 And they lifted up their voices, and said, Jesus, Master, have mercy on us.
14 And when he saw them, he said unto them, Go shew yourselves unto the priests. And it came to pass, that, as they went, they were cleansed.
15 And one of them, when he saw that he was healed, turned back, and with a loud voice glorified God,
16 And fell down on his face at his feet, giving him thanks: and he was a Samaritan.
17 And Jesus answering said, Were there not ten cleansed? but where are the nine?
18 There are not found that returned to give glory to God, save this stranger.
19 And he said unto him, Arise, go thy way: thy faith hath made thee whole.
Tuesday, February 24, 2015
POWER IN HIS NAME: Open Heavens Devotional for Tuesday 24th February, 2015
TOPIC: POWER IN HIS NAME - February 24, 2015
Memorise: Give unto the LORD the glory due unto his name; worship the LORD in the beauty of holiness. - Psalm 29:2
Read: Philippians 2:9-11
9 Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him, and given him a name which is above every name:
10 That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth;
11 And that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.
Memorise: Give unto the LORD the glory due unto his name; worship the LORD in the beauty of holiness. - Psalm 29:2
Read: Philippians 2:9-11
9 Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him, and given him a name which is above every name:
10 That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth;
11 And that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.
Monday, February 23, 2015
Open Heavens Devotional for Monday 23rd February, 2015: WORSHIPPING THE UNKNOWN GOD?
TOPIC: WORSHIPPING THE UNKNOWN GOD? - February 23, 2015
Memorise: Ye worship ye know not what: we know what we worship: for salvation is of the Jews. - John 4:22
Read: Acts 17:16-23
16 Now while Paul waited for them at Athens, his spirit was stirred in him, when he saw the city wholly given to idolatry.
17 Therefore disputed he in the synagogue with the Jews, and with the devout persons, and in the market daily with them that met with him.
18 Then certain philosophers of the Epicureans, and of the Stoicks, encountered him. And some said, What will this babbler say? other some, He seemeth to be a setter forth of strange gods: because he preached unto them Jesus, and the resurrection.
19 And they took him, and brought him unto Areopagus, saying, May we know what this new doctrine, whereof thou speakest, is?
20 For thou bringest certain strange things to our ears: we would know therefore what these things mean.
21 (For all the Athenians and strangers which were there spent their time in nothing else, but either to tell, or to hear some new thing.)
22 Then Paul stood in the midst of Mars' hill, and said, Ye men of Athens, I perceive that in all things ye are too superstitious.
23 For as I passed by, and beheld your devotions, I found an altar with this inscription, TO THE UNKNOWN GOD. Whom therefore ye ignorantly worship, him declare I unto you.
Memorise: Ye worship ye know not what: we know what we worship: for salvation is of the Jews. - John 4:22
Read: Acts 17:16-23
16 Now while Paul waited for them at Athens, his spirit was stirred in him, when he saw the city wholly given to idolatry.
17 Therefore disputed he in the synagogue with the Jews, and with the devout persons, and in the market daily with them that met with him.
18 Then certain philosophers of the Epicureans, and of the Stoicks, encountered him. And some said, What will this babbler say? other some, He seemeth to be a setter forth of strange gods: because he preached unto them Jesus, and the resurrection.
19 And they took him, and brought him unto Areopagus, saying, May we know what this new doctrine, whereof thou speakest, is?
20 For thou bringest certain strange things to our ears: we would know therefore what these things mean.
21 (For all the Athenians and strangers which were there spent their time in nothing else, but either to tell, or to hear some new thing.)
22 Then Paul stood in the midst of Mars' hill, and said, Ye men of Athens, I perceive that in all things ye are too superstitious.
23 For as I passed by, and beheld your devotions, I found an altar with this inscription, TO THE UNKNOWN GOD. Whom therefore ye ignorantly worship, him declare I unto you.
Sunday, February 22, 2015
THE LETHAL WEAPON OF WAR - Open Heavens for Sunday 22nd February, 2015
TOPIC: THE LETHAL WEAPON OF WAR - February 22, 2015
Memorise: And at midnight Paul and Silas prayed, and sang praises unto God: and the prisoners heard them. And suddenly there was a great earthquake, so that the foundations of the prison were shaken: and immediately all the doors were opened, and every one's bands were loosed. -
Act 16:25-26
Read: 2 Chronicles 20:21-23
21 And when he had consulted with the people, he appointed singers unto the LORD, and that should praise the beauty of holiness, as they went out before the army, and to say, Praise the LORD; for his mercy endureth for ever.
22 And when they began to sing and to praise, the LORD set ambushments against the children of Ammon, Moab, and mount Seir, which were come against Judah; and they were smitten.
23 For the children of Ammon and Moab stood up against the inhabitants of mount Seir, utterly to slay and destroy them: and when they had made an end of the inhabitants of Seir, every one helped to destroy another.
Memorise: And at midnight Paul and Silas prayed, and sang praises unto God: and the prisoners heard them. And suddenly there was a great earthquake, so that the foundations of the prison were shaken: and immediately all the doors were opened, and every one's bands were loosed. -
Act 16:25-26
Read: 2 Chronicles 20:21-23
21 And when he had consulted with the people, he appointed singers unto the LORD, and that should praise the beauty of holiness, as they went out before the army, and to say, Praise the LORD; for his mercy endureth for ever.
22 And when they began to sing and to praise, the LORD set ambushments against the children of Ammon, Moab, and mount Seir, which were come against Judah; and they were smitten.
23 For the children of Ammon and Moab stood up against the inhabitants of mount Seir, utterly to slay and destroy them: and when they had made an end of the inhabitants of Seir, every one helped to destroy another.
Saturday, February 21, 2015
THOSE WHO DARED GOD - See What Happened to Them
Galatians 6: 7 (ISV) says,
Stop being deceived; God is not to be ridiculed. A person harvests whatever he plants.
God is our creator and the giver of life, knowledge and wisdom. That is the reason we should attribute all our success to Him. We should always give Him praise for our achievements. It only a fool that believes he can do without God. Such a person is making a mockery of the existence and all-mightiness of God.
See what happened to some people who dared God thinking that they can do without God.
Cazuza (Bio-xual Brazilian composer, singer and poet)
During a show in Canecio (Rio de Janeiro), while smoking his cigarette, he puffed out some smoke into the air and said; ‘God, that’s for you.’
He died at the age of 32, of LUNG CANCER in a horrible manner.
Tancredo Neves (President of Brazil)
During the Presidential campaign, he said if would get 500,000 votes from his party, not even God would remove him from President.
He got the votes, but fell sick a day before being made President and died.
The man who built the Titanic
After the construction of Titanic, a reporter asked him how safe the Titanic would be. With an ironic tone he said; ‘Not even God can sink it’.
The result? I think you all know what happened to the Titanic.
The Brazillian girl who mocked God
In Campinas, Brazil a group of friends, drunk, went to pick up a friend. A mother accompanied her daughter to the car and was so worried about the drunkenness of her and her friends, she said to the daughter holding her hand, ‘My Daughter, Go With God And May He Protect You.’
She replied; ‘Only if He (God) Travels In The Trunk, Cause Inside Here. It’s Already Full’.
Hours later, news came by that they had been involved in a fatal accident, everyone had died, the car could not be recognised, but surprisingly, the trunk was intact.
The police said there was no way the trunk could have remained intact. To their utmost surprise,
inside the trunk was a crate of eggs, none was broken.
Dear blog post reader, I want you to ponder about all these and never dare God. He is your source of inspiration.
Stop being deceived; God is not to be ridiculed. A person harvests whatever he plants.
God is our creator and the giver of life, knowledge and wisdom. That is the reason we should attribute all our success to Him. We should always give Him praise for our achievements. It only a fool that believes he can do without God. Such a person is making a mockery of the existence and all-mightiness of God.
See what happened to some people who dared God thinking that they can do without God.
Cazuza (Bio-xual Brazilian composer, singer and poet)
During a show in Canecio (Rio de Janeiro), while smoking his cigarette, he puffed out some smoke into the air and said; ‘God, that’s for you.’
He died at the age of 32, of LUNG CANCER in a horrible manner.
Tancredo Neves (President of Brazil)
During the Presidential campaign, he said if would get 500,000 votes from his party, not even God would remove him from President.
He got the votes, but fell sick a day before being made President and died.
The man who built the Titanic
After the construction of Titanic, a reporter asked him how safe the Titanic would be. With an ironic tone he said; ‘Not even God can sink it’.
The result? I think you all know what happened to the Titanic.
The Brazillian girl who mocked God
In Campinas, Brazil a group of friends, drunk, went to pick up a friend. A mother accompanied her daughter to the car and was so worried about the drunkenness of her and her friends, she said to the daughter holding her hand, ‘My Daughter, Go With God And May He Protect You.’
She replied; ‘Only if He (God) Travels In The Trunk, Cause Inside Here. It’s Already Full’.
Hours later, news came by that they had been involved in a fatal accident, everyone had died, the car could not be recognised, but surprisingly, the trunk was intact.
The police said there was no way the trunk could have remained intact. To their utmost surprise,
inside the trunk was a crate of eggs, none was broken.
Dear blog post reader, I want you to ponder about all these and never dare God. He is your source of inspiration.
PRACTICAL WORSHIP: DANCING - Open Heavens for Saturday 21st February, 2015
TOPIC: PRACTICAL WORSHIP: DANCING - February 21, 2015
Memorise: Let them praise his name in the dance: let them sing praises unto him with the timbrel and harp. - Psalm 149:3
Read: Psalm 103:1-5
1 Bless the LORD, O my soul: and all that is within me, bless his holy name.
2 Bless the LORD, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits:
3 Who forgiveth all thine iniquities; who healeth all thy diseases;
4 Who redeemeth thy life from destruction; who crowneth thee with lovingkindness and tender mercies;
5 Who satisfieth thy mouth with good things; so that thy youth is renewed like the eagle's.
Memorise: Let them praise his name in the dance: let them sing praises unto him with the timbrel and harp. - Psalm 149:3
Read: Psalm 103:1-5
1 Bless the LORD, O my soul: and all that is within me, bless his holy name.
2 Bless the LORD, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits:
3 Who forgiveth all thine iniquities; who healeth all thy diseases;
4 Who redeemeth thy life from destruction; who crowneth thee with lovingkindness and tender mercies;
5 Who satisfieth thy mouth with good things; so that thy youth is renewed like the eagle's.
Friday, February 20, 2015
CHRISTIAN ATHEIST? - Open Heavens Devotional for Friday 20th February, 2015
TOPIC: CHRISTIAN ATHEIST? - February 20, 2015
Memorise: Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him. - 1 John 2:15
Read: 2 Timothy 3:1-5
1 This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come.
2 For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy,
3 Without natural affection, trucebreakers, false accusers, incontinent, fierce, despisers of those that are good,
4 Traitors, heady, highminded, lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God;
5 Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away.
Message:
Our Bible reading today reveals some strange characteristics of the last days that should in no wise be mentioned among children of God. Unfortunately, many of these behaviours dominate the Church today. Frankly speaking, behaviours such as being a lover of self, blaspheming, being unholy, treachery and loving of pleasures beyond loving God, more accurately described ungodly people (atheists). But because professed Christians are found among those who openly manifest and defend such behaviours today, the designation “Christian Atheists” has become necessary. Christian atheists are therefore professing Christians who believe, act and defend behaviours and characteristics that are contrary to Christian values as recorded in the Bible.
Memorise: Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him. - 1 John 2:15
Read: 2 Timothy 3:1-5
1 This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come.
2 For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy,
3 Without natural affection, trucebreakers, false accusers, incontinent, fierce, despisers of those that are good,
4 Traitors, heady, highminded, lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God;
5 Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away.
Message:
Our Bible reading today reveals some strange characteristics of the last days that should in no wise be mentioned among children of God. Unfortunately, many of these behaviours dominate the Church today. Frankly speaking, behaviours such as being a lover of self, blaspheming, being unholy, treachery and loving of pleasures beyond loving God, more accurately described ungodly people (atheists). But because professed Christians are found among those who openly manifest and defend such behaviours today, the designation “Christian Atheists” has become necessary. Christian atheists are therefore professing Christians who believe, act and defend behaviours and characteristics that are contrary to Christian values as recorded in the Bible.
Thursday, February 19, 2015
PERFECT KNOWLEDGE OF GOD: Open Heavens Devotional for Thursday 19th February, 2015
TOPIC: PERFECT KNOWLEDGE OF GOD - February 19, 2015
Memorise: Because that which may be known of God is manifest in them; for God hath shewed it unto them. - Romans 1:19
Read: Matthew 11:25-27
25 At that time Jesus answered and said, I thank thee, O Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because thou hast hid these things from the wise and prudent, and hast revealed them unto babes.
26 Even so, Father: for so it seemed good in thy sight.
27 All things are delivered unto me of my Father: and no man knoweth the Son, but the Father; neither knoweth any man the Father, save the Son, and he to whomsoever the Son will reveal him.
Message:
The scriptures make it clear that it is possible to acquire the knowledge of God. As a matter of fact, God has systematically and painstakingly revealed Himself to humanity through nature and through the Bible. The Bible teaches that God can be known, and that it is possible to have the perfect knowledge of God through Jesus Christ His Son. Our Lord Jesus revealed that eternal life lies in knowing God and the person of Jesus Christ (John 17:3).
Memorise: Because that which may be known of God is manifest in them; for God hath shewed it unto them. - Romans 1:19
Read: Matthew 11:25-27
25 At that time Jesus answered and said, I thank thee, O Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because thou hast hid these things from the wise and prudent, and hast revealed them unto babes.
26 Even so, Father: for so it seemed good in thy sight.
27 All things are delivered unto me of my Father: and no man knoweth the Son, but the Father; neither knoweth any man the Father, save the Son, and he to whomsoever the Son will reveal him.
Message:
The scriptures make it clear that it is possible to acquire the knowledge of God. As a matter of fact, God has systematically and painstakingly revealed Himself to humanity through nature and through the Bible. The Bible teaches that God can be known, and that it is possible to have the perfect knowledge of God through Jesus Christ His Son. Our Lord Jesus revealed that eternal life lies in knowing God and the person of Jesus Christ (John 17:3).
Wednesday, February 18, 2015
Open Heavens for Wednesday 18th February, 2015: WORTHY SERVICE
TOPIC: WORTHY SERVICE - February 18, 2015
Memorise: I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service. - Romans 12:1
Read: 1 Samuel 15:22-23
22 And Samuel said, Hath the LORD as great delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices, as in obeying the voice of the LORD? Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice, and to hearken than the fat of rams.
23 For rebellion is as the sin of witchcraft, and stubbornness is as iniquity and idolatry. Because thou hast rejected the word of the LORD, he hath also rejected thee from being king.
Message:
Service is work done for the benefit of other people or as a form of worship of God. Service characterised the essence of the ministry of Jesus and it is at the core of discipleship. Service means to work, to labour or to minister. According to our memory verse for today, service must meet certain conditions in order to be considered worthy and acceptable to God. First of all, mere correct religions observance is inadequate; rather, a wholehearted commitment to God in total submission and obedience is required. It is in this regard that Deuteronomy 10:12-13 says,
Memorise: I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service. - Romans 12:1
Read: 1 Samuel 15:22-23
22 And Samuel said, Hath the LORD as great delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices, as in obeying the voice of the LORD? Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice, and to hearken than the fat of rams.
23 For rebellion is as the sin of witchcraft, and stubbornness is as iniquity and idolatry. Because thou hast rejected the word of the LORD, he hath also rejected thee from being king.
Message:
Service is work done for the benefit of other people or as a form of worship of God. Service characterised the essence of the ministry of Jesus and it is at the core of discipleship. Service means to work, to labour or to minister. According to our memory verse for today, service must meet certain conditions in order to be considered worthy and acceptable to God. First of all, mere correct religions observance is inadequate; rather, a wholehearted commitment to God in total submission and obedience is required. It is in this regard that Deuteronomy 10:12-13 says,
Tuesday, February 17, 2015
WORTHY WORSHIP? - Open Heavens for Tuesday 17th February, 2015
TOPIC: WORTHY WORSHIP? - February 17, 2015
Memorise: But the hour cometh and now is, when the true worshippers shall worship the Father in spirit and in truth: for the Father seeketh such to worship him. God is a spirit: and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth. - John 4:23-24
Read: Revelation 5:11-14
11 And I beheld, and I heard the voice of many angels round about the throne and the beasts and the elders: and the number of them was ten thousand times ten thousand, and thousands of thousands;
12 Saying with a loud voice, Worthy is the Lamb that was slain to receive power, and riches, and wisdom, and strength, and honour, and glory, and blessing.
13 And every creature which is in heaven, and on the earth, and under the earth, and such as are in the sea, and all that are in them, heard I saying, Blessing, and honour, and glory, and power, be unto him that sitteth upon the throne, and unto the Lamb for ever and ever.
14 And the four beasts said, Amen. And the four and twenty elders fell down and worshipped him that liveth for ever and ever.
MESSAGE:
The first to learn about worthy worship is that worship should be in accordance to the commandments of God, but it should not be mechanical. In other words, obedience must precede any act of worship and it and it must come from the depth of our being. 1 Samuel 15:22 says,
“And Samuel said, Hath the LORD as great delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices, as in obeying the voice of the LORD? Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice, and to hearken than fat of rams.”
After worshipper who is not living in obedience to the word of God worships in vain. Of such are Christians who call Jesus “Lord, Lord”, but fail to do the will of God. Their effort is fruitless and their act of worship does not move God. You will not worship God in vain in Jesus’ Name.
Any act of worship that is mechanical, devoid of true love, faith, reverent adoration, honour and praise to the Almighty God will not be acceptable. Worship that is worthy and acceptable to God must be offered in spirit and in truth; it must be offered wholeheartedly and with total submission to the will of God. In Matthew 22:37, Jesus enjoined us to love the Lord with all our heart, soul and might; this means that worthy worship requires putting in everything we have. The right attitude is required for our worship to be counted worthy and acceptable to God. The first step is to carry out a self-examination to be sure that our heart is right with God (1 Corinthians 11:28). Then we are to carefully follow the footsteps of David in 2 Samuel 12:20a:
“Then David arose from the earth, and washed, and anointed himself, and changed his apparel, and came into the house of the LORD, and worshipped:”
David got up from the earth; this means he separated himself from earthy things. Next, he washed up to properly cleanse himself from every form of dirt and iniquity. He proceeded to anoint himself and change his filthy garments to that of holiness and righteousness. Only then did he have the confidence to enter the presence of God and was able to worship God without any hindrance. As you approach the presence of God today, your worship will be counted worthy and acceptable before Him in Jesus’ Name.
Prayer Point: Father, let the blessings of worthy and acceptable worship be mine today in Jesus’ Name.
Bible in one year: Lamentations 1-2, and Acts 27:33-28:10
SOURCE: OPEN HEAVENS DEVOTIONAL, VOLUME 15, 2015
Memorise: But the hour cometh and now is, when the true worshippers shall worship the Father in spirit and in truth: for the Father seeketh such to worship him. God is a spirit: and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth. - John 4:23-24
Read: Revelation 5:11-14
11 And I beheld, and I heard the voice of many angels round about the throne and the beasts and the elders: and the number of them was ten thousand times ten thousand, and thousands of thousands;
12 Saying with a loud voice, Worthy is the Lamb that was slain to receive power, and riches, and wisdom, and strength, and honour, and glory, and blessing.
13 And every creature which is in heaven, and on the earth, and under the earth, and such as are in the sea, and all that are in them, heard I saying, Blessing, and honour, and glory, and power, be unto him that sitteth upon the throne, and unto the Lamb for ever and ever.
14 And the four beasts said, Amen. And the four and twenty elders fell down and worshipped him that liveth for ever and ever.
MESSAGE:
The first to learn about worthy worship is that worship should be in accordance to the commandments of God, but it should not be mechanical. In other words, obedience must precede any act of worship and it and it must come from the depth of our being. 1 Samuel 15:22 says,
“And Samuel said, Hath the LORD as great delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices, as in obeying the voice of the LORD? Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice, and to hearken than fat of rams.”
After worshipper who is not living in obedience to the word of God worships in vain. Of such are Christians who call Jesus “Lord, Lord”, but fail to do the will of God. Their effort is fruitless and their act of worship does not move God. You will not worship God in vain in Jesus’ Name.
Any act of worship that is mechanical, devoid of true love, faith, reverent adoration, honour and praise to the Almighty God will not be acceptable. Worship that is worthy and acceptable to God must be offered in spirit and in truth; it must be offered wholeheartedly and with total submission to the will of God. In Matthew 22:37, Jesus enjoined us to love the Lord with all our heart, soul and might; this means that worthy worship requires putting in everything we have. The right attitude is required for our worship to be counted worthy and acceptable to God. The first step is to carry out a self-examination to be sure that our heart is right with God (1 Corinthians 11:28). Then we are to carefully follow the footsteps of David in 2 Samuel 12:20a:
“Then David arose from the earth, and washed, and anointed himself, and changed his apparel, and came into the house of the LORD, and worshipped:”
David got up from the earth; this means he separated himself from earthy things. Next, he washed up to properly cleanse himself from every form of dirt and iniquity. He proceeded to anoint himself and change his filthy garments to that of holiness and righteousness. Only then did he have the confidence to enter the presence of God and was able to worship God without any hindrance. As you approach the presence of God today, your worship will be counted worthy and acceptable before Him in Jesus’ Name.
Prayer Point: Father, let the blessings of worthy and acceptable worship be mine today in Jesus’ Name.
Bible in one year: Lamentations 1-2, and Acts 27:33-28:10
SOURCE: OPEN HEAVENS DEVOTIONAL, VOLUME 15, 2015
Monday, February 16, 2015
Open Heavens Devotional for Monday 16th February, 2015: DESPISING THE DAYS OF SMALL BEGINNINGS?
TOPIC: DESPISING THE DAYS OF SMALL BEGINNINGS? - February 16, 2015
Memorise: For who hath despised the day of small rejoice, and shall see the plummet in the hand of Zerubbabel with those seven; they are the eyes of the LORD, which run to and fro through the whole earth. - Zechariah 4:10
Read: 1 Kings 18:42-44
42 So Ahab went up to eat and to drink. And Elijah went up to the top of Carmel; and he cast himself down upon the earth, and put his face between his knees,
43 And said to his servant, Go up now, look toward the sea. And he went up, and looked, and said, There is nothing. And he said, Go again seven times.
44 And it came to pass at the seventh time, that he said, Behold, there ariseth a little cloud out of the sea, like a man's hand. And he said, Go up, say unto Ahab, Prepare thy chariot, and get thee down, that the rain stop thee not.
Memorise: For who hath despised the day of small rejoice, and shall see the plummet in the hand of Zerubbabel with those seven; they are the eyes of the LORD, which run to and fro through the whole earth. - Zechariah 4:10
Read: 1 Kings 18:42-44
42 So Ahab went up to eat and to drink. And Elijah went up to the top of Carmel; and he cast himself down upon the earth, and put his face between his knees,
43 And said to his servant, Go up now, look toward the sea. And he went up, and looked, and said, There is nothing. And he said, Go again seven times.
44 And it came to pass at the seventh time, that he said, Behold, there ariseth a little cloud out of the sea, like a man's hand. And he said, Go up, say unto Ahab, Prepare thy chariot, and get thee down, that the rain stop thee not.
Sunday, February 15, 2015
GOD'S TIME-TABLE - Open Heavens for Sunday, February 15, 2015
TOPIC: GOD'S TIME-TABLE - February 15, 2015
Memorise: To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven.
- Ecclesiastes 3:1
Read: Ecclesiastes 3:1-8
1 To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven:
2 A time to be born, and a time to die; a time to plant, and a time to pluck up that which is planted;
3 A time to kill, and a time to heal; a time to break down, and a time to build up;
4 A time to weep, and a time to laugh; a time to mourn, and a time to dance;
5 A time to cast away stones, and a time to gather stones together; a time to embrace, and a time to refrain from embracing;
6 A time to get, and a time to lose; a time to keep, and a time to cast away;
7 A time to rend, and a time to sew; a time to keep silence, and a time to speak;
8 A time to love, and a time to hate; a time of war, and a time of peace.
Memorise: To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven.
- Ecclesiastes 3:1
Read: Ecclesiastes 3:1-8
1 To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven:
2 A time to be born, and a time to die; a time to plant, and a time to pluck up that which is planted;
3 A time to kill, and a time to heal; a time to break down, and a time to build up;
4 A time to weep, and a time to laugh; a time to mourn, and a time to dance;
5 A time to cast away stones, and a time to gather stones together; a time to embrace, and a time to refrain from embracing;
6 A time to get, and a time to lose; a time to keep, and a time to cast away;
7 A time to rend, and a time to sew; a time to keep silence, and a time to speak;
8 A time to love, and a time to hate; a time of war, and a time of peace.
Saturday, February 14, 2015
Open Heavens Devotional for Saturday, 14 February, 2015: FAITH WITHOUT WORKS?
TOPIC: FAITH WITHOUT WORKS?- Saturday February 14, 2015
Memorise: But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him. - Hebrews 11:6
Read: James 2:14-17
14 What doth it profit, my brethren, though a man say he hath faith, and have not works? can faith save him?
15 If a brother or sister be naked, and destitute of daily food,
16 And one of you say unto them, Depart in peace, be ye warmed and filled; notwithstanding ye give them not those things which are needful to the body; what doth it profit?
17 Even so faith, if it hath not works, is dead, being alone.
Message:
It is necessary to first establish the fact that the statement of James that “faith without works is dead”, applies to the fellow who knows the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ. Such a person knows the facts about God in the mind, is persuaded of the truth of the gospel and is in agreement with Christian principles. In fact, such a person takes part in Christian worship, is a church-goer and believes with all sincerity that he or she is a true child of God. The only issue is that such a person fails to commit to Jesus in a way and manner that leads to changes in lifestyle. Such people refuse to allow old things in their lives to pass away – there is no crossing the line from darkness to light, there is no spiritual development or growth and such a person does not bear the fruits of righteousness. James 2:17 describes a person whose faith is dead because there are no works to show for it. In Matthew 7:21, Jesus was referring to such people when He said.
“Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven.”
It is very clear therefore that there is a form of action that must follow any profession of faith in Christ Jesus before such faith can be called a living faith. When profession of faith is not backed up with action, then such faith is dead. Many are in the Church today living their lives the same way as people who do not know Christ. The Bible in 2 Timothy 3:5a, described such people as
“Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof:”
Such people profess faith in the Son of God; they claim that they believe in the Gospel of Jesus Christ but they flatly deny the transforming power in the Word of God. They would do anything in the Name of God except allow any genuine transformation to take place in their lives.
“And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.” - Romans 12:2
Children of God, faith without works is dead, and dead faith is of no use to anyone. Renew your faith today by backing it up with active works of righteousness. Put on the new man who is renewed in knowledge and transformed into the image of Christ (Colossians 3:10)
Action Point: Faith without works is dead, follow up your faith with works of righteousness.
Bible in One Year: Jeremiah 49:23-50:46, and Acts 26:1-23
SOURCE: Open Heavens Devotional, volume 15, 2015
Memorise: But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him. - Hebrews 11:6
Read: James 2:14-17
14 What doth it profit, my brethren, though a man say he hath faith, and have not works? can faith save him?
15 If a brother or sister be naked, and destitute of daily food,
16 And one of you say unto them, Depart in peace, be ye warmed and filled; notwithstanding ye give them not those things which are needful to the body; what doth it profit?
17 Even so faith, if it hath not works, is dead, being alone.
Message:
“Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven.”
It is very clear therefore that there is a form of action that must follow any profession of faith in Christ Jesus before such faith can be called a living faith. When profession of faith is not backed up with action, then such faith is dead. Many are in the Church today living their lives the same way as people who do not know Christ. The Bible in 2 Timothy 3:5a, described such people as
“Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof:”
Such people profess faith in the Son of God; they claim that they believe in the Gospel of Jesus Christ but they flatly deny the transforming power in the Word of God. They would do anything in the Name of God except allow any genuine transformation to take place in their lives.
“And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.” - Romans 12:2
Children of God, faith without works is dead, and dead faith is of no use to anyone. Renew your faith today by backing it up with active works of righteousness. Put on the new man who is renewed in knowledge and transformed into the image of Christ (Colossians 3:10)
Action Point: Faith without works is dead, follow up your faith with works of righteousness.
Bible in One Year: Jeremiah 49:23-50:46, and Acts 26:1-23
SOURCE: Open Heavens Devotional, volume 15, 2015
Friday, February 13, 2015
Open Heavens Devotional for Friday 13th February, 2015: THE SOVEREIGN GOD
TOPIC: THE SOVEREIGN GOD - February 13, 2015
Memorise: But our God is in the heavens: he hath done whatsoever he hath pleased. - Psalm 115:3
Read: 1 Samuel 2:27-30
27 And there came a man of God unto Eli, and said unto him, Thus saith the LORD, Did I plainly appear unto the house of thy father, when they were in Egypt in Pharaoh's house?
28 And did I choose him out of all the tribes of Israel to be my priest, to offer upon mine altar, to burn incense, to wear an ephod before me? and did I give unto the house of thy father all the offerings made by fire of the children of Israel?
29 Wherefore kick ye at my sacrifice and at mine offering, which I have commanded in my habitation; and honourest thy sons above me, to make yourselves fat with the chiefest of all the offerings of Israel my people?
30 Wherefore the LORD God of Israel saith, I said indeed that thy house, and the house of thy father, should walk before me for ever: but now the LORD saith, Be it far from me; for them that honour me I will honour, and they that despise me shall be lightly esteemed.
Memorise: But our God is in the heavens: he hath done whatsoever he hath pleased. - Psalm 115:3
Read: 1 Samuel 2:27-30
27 And there came a man of God unto Eli, and said unto him, Thus saith the LORD, Did I plainly appear unto the house of thy father, when they were in Egypt in Pharaoh's house?
28 And did I choose him out of all the tribes of Israel to be my priest, to offer upon mine altar, to burn incense, to wear an ephod before me? and did I give unto the house of thy father all the offerings made by fire of the children of Israel?
29 Wherefore kick ye at my sacrifice and at mine offering, which I have commanded in my habitation; and honourest thy sons above me, to make yourselves fat with the chiefest of all the offerings of Israel my people?
30 Wherefore the LORD God of Israel saith, I said indeed that thy house, and the house of thy father, should walk before me for ever: but now the LORD saith, Be it far from me; for them that honour me I will honour, and they that despise me shall be lightly esteemed.
Thursday, February 12, 2015
Open Heavens Devotional for Thursday 12th February, 2015: DIVINE INFORMATION
TOPIC: DIVINE INFORMATION - February 12, 2015
Memorise: He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches; To him that overcometh will I give to eat of the tree of life, which is in the midst of the paradise of God. - Revelation 2:7
Read: Amos 3:7-8
7 Surely the Lord GOD will do nothing, but he revealeth his secret unto his servants the prophets.
8 The lion hath roared, who will not fear? the Lord GOD hath spoken, who can but prophesy?
Message:
Memorise: He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches; To him that overcometh will I give to eat of the tree of life, which is in the midst of the paradise of God. - Revelation 2:7
Read: Amos 3:7-8
7 Surely the Lord GOD will do nothing, but he revealeth his secret unto his servants the prophets.
8 The lion hath roared, who will not fear? the Lord GOD hath spoken, who can but prophesy?
Message:
Wednesday, February 11, 2015
SOUND OF ABUNDANT RAIN - Open Heavens Devotional for Wednesday 11th February, 2015
TOPIC: SOUND OF ABUNDANT RAIN - Wednesday 11th February, 2015
Memorise: Ask ye of the LORD rain in the time of the latter rain; so the LORD shall make bright clouds, and give them showers of rain, to every one grass in the field. - Zechariah 10:1
Read: 1 Kings 18:41-45
41 And Elijah said unto Ahab, Get thee up, eat and drink; for there is a sound of abundance of rain.
42 So Ahab went up to eat and to drink. And Elijah went up to the top of Carmel; and he cast himself down upon the earth, and put his face between his knees,
43 And said to his servant, Go up now, look toward the sea. And he went up, and looked, and said, There is nothing. And he said, Go again seven times.
44 And it came to pass at the seventh time, that he said, Behold, there ariseth a little cloud out of the sea, like a man's hand. And he said, Go up, say unto Ahab, Prepare thy chariot, and get thee down, that the rain stop thee not.
45 And it came to pass in the mean while, that the heaven was black with clouds and wind, and there was a great rain. And Ahab rode, and went to Jezreel.
Memorise: Ask ye of the LORD rain in the time of the latter rain; so the LORD shall make bright clouds, and give them showers of rain, to every one grass in the field. - Zechariah 10:1
Read: 1 Kings 18:41-45
41 And Elijah said unto Ahab, Get thee up, eat and drink; for there is a sound of abundance of rain.
42 So Ahab went up to eat and to drink. And Elijah went up to the top of Carmel; and he cast himself down upon the earth, and put his face between his knees,
43 And said to his servant, Go up now, look toward the sea. And he went up, and looked, and said, There is nothing. And he said, Go again seven times.
44 And it came to pass at the seventh time, that he said, Behold, there ariseth a little cloud out of the sea, like a man's hand. And he said, Go up, say unto Ahab, Prepare thy chariot, and get thee down, that the rain stop thee not.
45 And it came to pass in the mean while, that the heaven was black with clouds and wind, and there was a great rain. And Ahab rode, and went to Jezreel.
Tuesday, February 10, 2015
FAITHFUL CHRISTIAN WORKER - Open Heavens for Tuesday 10th February, 2015
TOPIC: FAITHFUL CHRISTIAN WORKER - Tuesday February 10, 2015
Memorise: Moreover it is required in stewards, that a man be found faithful. - 1 Corinthians 4:2
Read: Luke 12:37-38
37 Blessed are those servants, whom the lord when he cometh shall find watching: verily I say unto you, that he shall gird himself, and make them to sit down to meat, and will come forth and serve them.
38 And if he shall come in the second watch, or come in the third watch, and find them so, blessed are those servants.
MESSAGE:
A Christian worker is a born-again child of God; a steward who has been entrusted with the careful use, control and management of kingdom resources and possessions. The teachings of our Lord Jesus Christ on stewardship emphasised two things that are important: responsibility and accountability. Jesus speaking on responsibility in Luke 12:48 said:
“But he that knew not, and did commit things worthy of stripes, shall be beaten with few stripes. For unto whomsoever much is given, of him shall be much required: and to whom men have committed much, of him they will ask the more.”
According to Revelation 4:11, God created man and everything else for His pleasure. Individuals are therefore accountable for their God-given physical and spiritual endowments. Christians are also responsible for whatever is put in their care. The gifts and talents in our lives are to be used profitably for the expansion of the kingdom of God. The Bible further states in Romans 14:12 that every one of us shall give account of himself to God, and in Romans 2:6 that God will render to every man according to his deeds. Consequently, every Christian worker is accountable to God. The Bible also admonishes us not to neglect our gifts but to develop and polish them.
“Neglect not the gift that is in thee, which was given thee by prophecy, with the laying on of the hands of the presbytery.” - 1 Timothy 4:14
Christians are to be wise stewards of their God-given gifts, talents and abilities. They are to serve with humility, total submission to authority and in the fear of God. They are to serve with gratitude to God and for the benefit of others. Christian workers in whatever department should not view the work of God as an opportunity to make money. The work should not be done with eye-service but as unto the Lord, who will faithfully reward those who diligently serve Him. Finally, whatever your hands find to do, do it with all your might (Ecclesiastes 9:10), and don’t be slothful in God’s business, but rather be fervent in your physical and spiritual service to God (Romans 12:11). I pray that as you work fervently for God this year, He will reward you accordingly in Jesus’ Name.
Prayer Point: Father, please let the cup of my physical and spiritual blessings overflow this year in the Name of Jesus.
Bible in one year: Jeremiah 40-42, and Acts 23:12-35
SOURCE: OPEN HEAVENS DEVOTIONAL, VOLUME 15, 2015
Memorise: Moreover it is required in stewards, that a man be found faithful. - 1 Corinthians 4:2
Read: Luke 12:37-38
37 Blessed are those servants, whom the lord when he cometh shall find watching: verily I say unto you, that he shall gird himself, and make them to sit down to meat, and will come forth and serve them.
38 And if he shall come in the second watch, or come in the third watch, and find them so, blessed are those servants.
MESSAGE:
A Christian worker is a born-again child of God; a steward who has been entrusted with the careful use, control and management of kingdom resources and possessions. The teachings of our Lord Jesus Christ on stewardship emphasised two things that are important: responsibility and accountability. Jesus speaking on responsibility in Luke 12:48 said:
“But he that knew not, and did commit things worthy of stripes, shall be beaten with few stripes. For unto whomsoever much is given, of him shall be much required: and to whom men have committed much, of him they will ask the more.”
According to Revelation 4:11, God created man and everything else for His pleasure. Individuals are therefore accountable for their God-given physical and spiritual endowments. Christians are also responsible for whatever is put in their care. The gifts and talents in our lives are to be used profitably for the expansion of the kingdom of God. The Bible further states in Romans 14:12 that every one of us shall give account of himself to God, and in Romans 2:6 that God will render to every man according to his deeds. Consequently, every Christian worker is accountable to God. The Bible also admonishes us not to neglect our gifts but to develop and polish them.
“Neglect not the gift that is in thee, which was given thee by prophecy, with the laying on of the hands of the presbytery.” - 1 Timothy 4:14
Christians are to be wise stewards of their God-given gifts, talents and abilities. They are to serve with humility, total submission to authority and in the fear of God. They are to serve with gratitude to God and for the benefit of others. Christian workers in whatever department should not view the work of God as an opportunity to make money. The work should not be done with eye-service but as unto the Lord, who will faithfully reward those who diligently serve Him. Finally, whatever your hands find to do, do it with all your might (Ecclesiastes 9:10), and don’t be slothful in God’s business, but rather be fervent in your physical and spiritual service to God (Romans 12:11). I pray that as you work fervently for God this year, He will reward you accordingly in Jesus’ Name.
Prayer Point: Father, please let the cup of my physical and spiritual blessings overflow this year in the Name of Jesus.
Bible in one year: Jeremiah 40-42, and Acts 23:12-35
SOURCE: OPEN HEAVENS DEVOTIONAL, VOLUME 15, 2015
Monday, February 9, 2015
Open Heavens Devotional for Monday 9th February, 2015: DIVINE ROYALTY
TOPIC: DIVINE ROYALTY - Monday February 9, 2015
Memorise: And hath made us kings and priests unto God and his Father; to him be glory and dominion for ever and ever. Amen. - Revelation 1:6
Read: 1 Samuel 16:1, 11-13
1 And the LORD said unto Samuel, How long wilt thou mourn for Saul, seeing I have rejected him from reigning over Israel? fill thine horn with oil, and go, I will send thee to Jesse the Beth-lehemite: for I have provided me a king among his sons.
11 And Samuel said unto Jesse, Are here all thy children? And he said, There remaineth yet the youngest, and, behold, he keepeth the sheep. And Samuel said unto Jesse, Send and fetch him: for we will not sit down till he come hither.
12 And he sent, and brought him in. Now he was ruddy, and withal of a beautiful countenance, and goodly to look to. And the LORD said, Arise, anoint him: for this is he.
13 Then Samuel took the horn of oil, and anointed him in the midst of his brethren: and the Spirit of the LORD came upon David from that day forward. So Samuel rose up, and went to Ramah.
Message
Sunday, February 8, 2015
REMEMBER NOW - Open Heavens Devotional for 8th February, 2015
TOPIC: REMEMBER NOW - Sunday February 8, 2015
Memorise: Rejoice, O young man, in thy youth; and let thy heart cheer thee in the days of thy youth, and walk in the ways of thine heart, and in the sight of thine eyes: but know thou, that for all these things God will bring thee into judgement. - Ecclesiastes 11:9
Read: Ecclesiastes 12:1-7
1 Remember now thy Creator in the days of thy youth, while the evil days come not, nor the years draw nigh, when thou shalt say, I have no pleasure in them;
2 While the sun, or the light, or the moon, or the stars, be not darkened, nor the clouds return after the rain:
3 In the day when the keepers of the house shall tremble, and the strong men shall bow themselves, and the grinders cease because they are few, and those that look out of the windows be darkened
4 And the doors shall be shut in the streets, when the sound of the grinding is low, and he shall rise up at the voice of the bird, and all the daughters of musick shall be brought low;
5 Also when they shall be afraid of that which is high, and fears shall be in the way, and the almond tree shall flourish, and the grasshopper shall be a burden, and desire shall fail: because man goeth to his long home, and the mourners go about the streets:
6 Or ever the silver cord be loosed, or the golden bowl be broken, or the pitcher be broken at the fountain, or the wheel broken at the cistern.
7 Then shall the dust return to the earth as it was: and the spirit shall return unto God who gave it.
Memorise: Rejoice, O young man, in thy youth; and let thy heart cheer thee in the days of thy youth, and walk in the ways of thine heart, and in the sight of thine eyes: but know thou, that for all these things God will bring thee into judgement. - Ecclesiastes 11:9
Read: Ecclesiastes 12:1-7
1 Remember now thy Creator in the days of thy youth, while the evil days come not, nor the years draw nigh, when thou shalt say, I have no pleasure in them;
2 While the sun, or the light, or the moon, or the stars, be not darkened, nor the clouds return after the rain:
3 In the day when the keepers of the house shall tremble, and the strong men shall bow themselves, and the grinders cease because they are few, and those that look out of the windows be darkened
4 And the doors shall be shut in the streets, when the sound of the grinding is low, and he shall rise up at the voice of the bird, and all the daughters of musick shall be brought low;
5 Also when they shall be afraid of that which is high, and fears shall be in the way, and the almond tree shall flourish, and the grasshopper shall be a burden, and desire shall fail: because man goeth to his long home, and the mourners go about the streets:
6 Or ever the silver cord be loosed, or the golden bowl be broken, or the pitcher be broken at the fountain, or the wheel broken at the cistern.
7 Then shall the dust return to the earth as it was: and the spirit shall return unto God who gave it.
Saturday, February 7, 2015
HERITAGE OF THE LORD - Open Heavens Devotional for Saturday 7th February, 2015
TOPIC: HERITAGE OF THE LORD - February 7, 2015
Memorise: Lo, children are the heritage of the LORD: and the fruit of the womb is his reward.
- Psalm 127:3
Read: Psalm 127:3-5
3 Lo, children are an heritage of the LORD: and the fruit of the womb is his reward.
4As arrows are in the hand of a mighty man; so are children of the youth.
5 Happy is the man that hath his quiver full of them: they shall not be ashamed, but they shall speak with the enemies in the gate.
MESSAGE:
The word ‘heritage’ can refer to a cherished property or inheritance of special architectural, historical or natural value preserved from past generations. It can also refer to an asset of monumental value. It reveals the sense of history, strength, personality, character, importance, authority and self-worth of a people or nation. God commended Israel to document historical events, covenants, laws and commandments that formed part of their heritage in order to preserve them forever. The heritage of the Lord is therefore something of inestimable value that needs to be protected and watched over with all diligence.
Memorise: Lo, children are the heritage of the LORD: and the fruit of the womb is his reward.
- Psalm 127:3
Read: Psalm 127:3-5
3 Lo, children are an heritage of the LORD: and the fruit of the womb is his reward.
4As arrows are in the hand of a mighty man; so are children of the youth.
5 Happy is the man that hath his quiver full of them: they shall not be ashamed, but they shall speak with the enemies in the gate.
MESSAGE:
The word ‘heritage’ can refer to a cherished property or inheritance of special architectural, historical or natural value preserved from past generations. It can also refer to an asset of monumental value. It reveals the sense of history, strength, personality, character, importance, authority and self-worth of a people or nation. God commended Israel to document historical events, covenants, laws and commandments that formed part of their heritage in order to preserve them forever. The heritage of the Lord is therefore something of inestimable value that needs to be protected and watched over with all diligence.
Friday, February 6, 2015
YOUR HORN SHALL BE EXALTED: Open Heavens Devotional for Friday 6th February, 2015
TOPIC: YOUR HORN SHALL BE EXALTED - Open Heavens for 06/02/15
Memorise: Bless the LORD, O my soul: and all that is within me, bless his holy name. - Psalm 103:1
Read: Samuel 2:1-2
1 And Hannah prayed, and said, My heart rejoiceth in the Lord, mine horn is exalted in the Lord: my mouth is enlarged over mine enemies; because I rejoice in thy salvation.
2 There is none holy as the Lord: for there is none beside thee: neither is there any rock like our God.
MESSAGE:The word “horn” is used both literally and symbolically in the Bible. It is used to describe the keratin-based growth on the head of animals. The horn of dead animals is sometimes converted to musical instruments or used as vessel for anointing oil. However, the horn has significant metaphorical meanings. It is a symbol of power, help, victory or glory. To lift up the horn connotes success, while a broken horn denotes defeat. It is with this understanding that Hannah rejoiced in the Lord by saying my horn is exalted in the Lord. May the Name of the Lord be praised and exalted for evermore in Jesus’ Name. As you meditate on the word of the Lord today, your horn shall be exalted in Jesus’ Name.
Thursday, February 5, 2015
Open Heavens for February 5, 2015:UNPRECEDENTED EVENT
TOPIC: UNPRECEDENTED EVENT - Thursday 5th February, 2015
Memorise: And he arose, and rebuked the wind, and said unto the sea, peace, be still. And the wind ceased, and there was a great calm. - Mark 4:39
Read: Genesis 21:5-7
5 And Abraham was an hundred years old, when his son Isaac was born unto him.
6 And Sarah said, God hath made me to laugh, so that all that hear will laugh with me.
7 And she said, Who would have said unto Abraham, that Sarah should have given children suck? for I have born him a son in his old age.
Wednesday, February 4, 2015
Open Heavens for Wednesday February 4, 2015: REASON FOR MIRACLES
Memorise: Jesus saith unto him, Thomas, because thou hast seen me, thou hast believed: blessed are they that have not seen, and yet have believed. - John 20:29
Read: John 11:43-45
43 And when he thus had spoken, he cried with a loud voice, Lazarus, come forth.
44 And he that was dead came forth, bound hand and foot with graveclothes: and his face was bound about with a napkin. Jesus saith unto them, Loose him, and let him go.
45 Then many of the Jews which came to Mary, and had seen the things which Jesus did, believed on him.
Tuesday, February 3, 2015
LET THE FIRE FALL - Open Heavens for Tuesday 3rd February, 2015
TOPIC: LET THE FIRE FALL [Tuesday 3rd February]
Memorise: In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.
- 1 Thessalonians 5:18
Read: 1 Kings 18:36-39
36 And it came to pass at the time of the offering of the evening sacrifice, that Elijah the prophet came near, and said, Lord God of Abraham, Isaac, and of Israel, let it be known this day that thou art God in Israel, and that I am thy servant, and that I have done all these things at thy word.
37 Hear me, O Lord, hear me, that this people may know that thou art the Lord God, and that thou hast turned their heart back again.
38 Then the fire of the Lord fell, and consumed the burnt sacrifice, and the wood, and the stones, and the dust, and licked up the water that was in the trench.
39 And when all the people saw it, they fell on their faces: and they said, The Lord, he is the God; the Lord, he is the God.
Monday, February 2, 2015
Open Heavens Devotional for Monday 2nd February, 2015: ARE YOU FRUITFUL?
TOPIC: ARE YOU FRUITFUL? [2nd February, 2015]
Memorise: Every branch in me that beareth not fruit he taketh away: and every branch that beareth fruit, he purgeth it, that it may bring forth more fruit. - John 15:2
Read: Luke 13:6-9
6 He spake also this parable; A certain man had a fig tree planted in his vineyard; and he came and sought fruit thereon, and found none.
7 Then said he unto the dresser of his vineyard, Behold, these three years I come seeking fruit on this fig tree, and find none: cut it down; why cumbereth it the ground?
8 And he answering said unto him, Lord, let it alone this year also, till I shall dig about it, and dung it:
9 And if it bear fruit, well: and if not, then after that thou shalt cut it down.
Sunday, February 1, 2015
Open Heavens for Sunday 1st February, 2015: A NEW BEGINNING OF FREEDOM
TOPIC: A NEW BEGINNING OF FREEDOM
Memorise: If the Son therefore shall make you free, ye shall be free indeed. - John 8:36
Read: Exodus 15:13-17
13Thou in thy mercy hast led forth the people which thou hast redeemed: thou hast guided them in thy strength unto thy holy habitation.
14 The people shall hear, and be afraid: sorrow shall take hold on the inhabitants of Palestina.
15 Then the dukes of Edom shall be amazed; the mighty men of Moab, trembling shall take hold upon them; all the inhabitants of Canaan shall melt away.
16 Fear and dread shall fall upon them; by the greatness of thine arm they shall be as still as a stone; till thy people pass over, O LORD, till the people pass over, which thou hast purchased.
17 Thou shalt bring them in, and plant them in the mountain of thine inheritance, in the place, O LORD, which thou hast made for thee to dwell in, in the Sanctuary, O Lord, which thy hands have established.
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